DETROIT – Great Lakes Angels Fund, managed by City Side Ventures, is promoting a seminar March 13 on Angel Investing: “Introduction to Angel Investing – is it for me?”

The format will be an overview of who are angels, what angel investing is all about, how they fit in the financing of startups and include a panel for Q&A.  Panel members are: Michael Gibson, Attorney at Kerr, Russell, Weber, Erik Schumacher leads Rehmann’s Emerging Companies industry niche and Jeff Sloan a successful entrepreneur and Angel investor at Aria Ventures.

Michael D. Gibson has more than 38 years of experience in all aspects of business and corporate law. A Certified Public Accountant as well as an attorney, and also co-chairs the firm’s Business & Corporate Law Practice Group.

Michael represents commercial business enterprises in a range of industries, including auto suppliers, healthcare entities and construction contractors. He provides assistance with corporate agreements, banking related documents; leases and purchases of real estate; joint ventures; entity formation; bylaws; corporate governance issues; license and operating agreements; securities law and SEC filings.

Michael also works closely with individuals and corporate clients in the estate and family planning context. This includes analysis and consultation regarding usage of wills, trusts, family limited partnerships, family LLCs, gifting, charitable foundations and trusts, corporate transition planning and structuring, insurance trusts, life insurance, annuities, self-canceling installment notes, and discussions with families and corporations on the practical aspects of financial tools. Michael was named a “Michigan Super Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters.

Erik Schumacher leads Rehmann’s Emerging Companies industry niche, as well as serves as a member of the firm’s Private Equity industry group.  He utilizes his extensive experience with complex equity structures and due diligence to serve Rehmann’s clients in the Venture Capital and Private Equity space. Erik has helped multiple clients navigate through acquisitions, mergers and divestitures to effectively manage their tax obligations. As a thought leader, Erik is frequently asked to present to various industry and investor groups. 

Jeff Sloan A Flint native, Jeff is one of America’s leading entrepreneurial and small business experts. Jeff’s expertise as a serial entrepreneur is broad and deep, from inventing and commercializing his own inventions to developing, financing and selling his own tech ventures.

Jeff co-founded StartupNation in 2002 with his brother, Rich Sloan. Ever since, StartupNation has inspired and empowered millions of entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to start a business. In his role at StartupNation, Jeff has co-hosted the award-winning nationally syndicated StartupNation radio show, which aired in more than 85 markets, and keynoted numerous conferences, including the Microsoft Small Business Conference and the Small Business Administration of America annual conference.

Jeff’s current portfolio focus is in the facilitation of local commerce through a venture he founded, called Wantify, and in the music business through a music gamification mobile platform that enables fans to enjoy great music and fun contests as they operate their own fantasy record label, called FanLabel.

A Kauffman Foundation study showed 90 percent of net new US jobs are created by companies less than five years old.  These companies match the profile of startups funded by angel investors.  Angel investing is the fastest growing investment Asset Class in the past 10 years. Total angel investments nationwide in 2017 were $23.9 billion, an increase of 12.6 percent over 2016. A growing economy includes a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Angel investors are a vital component of entrepreneurial economies.

Angels are progressive investors with above average risk tolerance, that are looking to diversify their portfolio with a higher return investment Asset Class.

The intended audience is Business Owners/Managers, Family Offices, Wealth Managers and Accredited Investors ONLY.  The event runs from 8 to 10:30 am. 

This will be a FREE event and registration is required. Register here. There is limited seating so register early.  TechTown, 440 Burroughs St., Detroit, MI 48202

The Great Lakes Angels Fund was formed with the purpose of establishing a different kind of venture fund focusing on early-stage companies in the Great Lakes region.   

CONTACT:  Great Lakes Angels Fund, [email protected]